After his historic victory at the 2024 World Chess Championship, where he became the youngest-ever World Chess Champion by defeating Ding Liren, Gukesh D revealed his plans for the substantial prize money of Rs 11.45 crore. For the 18-year-old, this achievement is a milestone in a journey marked by dedication and sacrifice. Gukesh expressed deep gratitude towards his parents, Rajnikanth and Padmakumari, who had supported his passion for chess despite immense financial struggles.
In an exclusive interview with Sports Today, Gukesh shared how his parents had made significant personal sacrifices to help him pursue his dreams. “First of all, I am very happy for my parents. They had to struggle a lot for me. They burnt all their bridges so I could pursue my passion. They faced severe financial challenges,” he said, reflecting on the sacrifices made by his family. He acknowledged that their friends stepped in to sponsor him during difficult times, enabling him to continue his journey in the game.
Rajnikanth, who gave up his successful career as an ENT surgeon, and Padmakumari, a microbiologist, made personal sacrifices to ensure Gukesh could attend tournaments. As the sole earner, Padmakumari supported the family financially while Rajnikanth focused on being Gukesh’s travel companion. Gukesh’s heartfelt gratitude for their support is evident, and he is now focused on repaying their sacrifices.
Reflecting on his victory, Gukesh emphasized that money was never his primary motivation for playing chess. “Personally, I never really thought too much about money, but I understand it is a very important part of life. I will use this amazing gift that God has given us to improve ourselves and to help us reach our full potential,” he shared. With the prize money, Gukesh plans to continue his development as a chess player and also support his family’s future.